As a novice to sci-fi and naturally also a sceptic I do find Richards short novels digestible and easy to follow. Just the fact that it is the personal touch and not the technology that moves the storyline forward makes them much more enganging. I felt strongly about the main characters but I wanted to get to know them much more. When things was getting hotter the wire was literally cut off. I wanted the characters to meet, socialise and even have sex. I want to know what AI could be on a deeper human level. The story started on a strong angle but ended a bit abrupt and impersonal.